It’s just been a few weeks since our last dispatch, but these times of turmoil call for a quick update on the financial markets, given gyrating ups and downs and continuing rough seas in tariff negotiations. On top of that, we hear about various rumors from our 24-hour news and television airways.
Here’s where we are as of today year-to-date for various sectors of the markets:
Bonds Fixed Income – 2.4%
Preferred Stock (hybrid bond/stock) – 7.6%
S&P 500 large stock bucket – 10.8%
Tech stocks – 19.4%
Utility Stocks + 2.8%
Staples stocks (food, household companies) + 3.7%
Gold + 29.3%
Bitcoin – 3.4%
Below is an interesting chart that shows how markets have tended to rebound after dips of more than 15%. The challenge: during each dip, no one knows when we are at the bottom—until we’re past it.
NOTICE OF CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT: By now, you may have received a mysterious postcard in the mail about a class action matter. Apparently, a group of people (attorneys?) have sued Charles Schwab Corporation over the merger with TD Ameritrade, and you are a member of the settlement class, which means you get benefits from the lawsuit. The good news: They promise to implement an antitrust compliance program that we hope will maintain high customer service. The bad news: There is no financial reward for account holders. Yes, you can discard the postcard.
John, Seann, Patrick, Nicholette, Melissa
